COLLEGE CONNECTION: Finding balance in college application season

Addressing the Emotional Needs of College Applicants was the theme of my presentation last year at the Council of International Schools’ annual conference in Monaco, and is a subject too often overlooked. Many adults forget about what a rollercoaster a senior’s year can be, filled with gigantic extremes of exci...

By Stephanie Sears

The Enterprise, Brockton, MA

By Stephanie Sears

Posted Oct. 12, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 12, 2013 at 12:16 PM

By Stephanie Sears

Posted Oct. 12, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 12, 2013 at 12:16 PM

Cohasset

» Social News

There is no doubt that the senior year of high school is an incredibly busy one, full of challenging courses and extensive activities. Navigating the college process can take as much time, if not more, than a class or sport (with more far-reaching consequences than either, as young people map out the next stage of their lives).

Addressing the Emotional Needs of College Applicants was the theme of my presentation last year at the Council of International Schools’ annual conference in Monaco, and is a subject too often overlooked. Many adults forget about what a rollercoaster a senior’s year can be, filled with gigantic extremes of excitement, disappointment, anxiety and relief. In addressing this wild emotional ride with young people over the past several years, here is a short list of what I commonly talk to them about on how not only to survive this first semester, but thrive.

Rely on your support system. Turn to your parents for advice and making decisions. Be nice to them. (They might not show it but getting ready to see you go off is not always easy.) Many of your friends are facing the same pressures, so lean on each other and be mutually resourceful.

Learn to say no to some offers. There is not enough time in the day to do everything. Realize what is truly important and then do it well. (Obviously, college applications should be high on your list.)

Set up a calendar on your phone or print one out. List all of your deadlines and set alarms. Give yourself a buffer zone and set application deadlines two weeks earlier.

Get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Eat breakfast. Listen to and take care of your body. Carve out time for activities that allow you to relax. If you are asking yourself if these seemingly small things make a difference, try them for one week and then let me know.

Make the college process part of your schedule, just like going to class or practice. Set blocks of time aside to accomplish things on your list. If the idea of a list overwhelms you, here are a few things to think about over the next few weeks (if you haven’t already):

· You have a solid and realistic list of colleges that you feel are a good fit for you. Remember what I said in my last column – “love all of the colleges to which you are applying.”

· You have at least started the applications or the Common Application.

· You have personally asked for one or two letters of recommendation from teachers who know your work and can speak about your character.

· You have some thoughts about an essay. Remember that with many selective colleges, there are multiple supplemental essays, so it is worth familiarizing yourself with those as well.

Page 2 of 2 - Over the next month I will be writing about composing a strong essay, avoiding common application mistakes and how to put your best self forward. But until then, enjoy the moment and keep up the good work. Remember that while this process can be stressful, it is also an exciting time to discover who you are and plan for your future.

Stephanie Sears is an independent college counselor who lives in Cohasset. She can be reached at stephanie.c.sears@gmail.com.